Delhi Events

Republic Day Parade

The impressive Republic Day Parade is held every year in Delhi
on the anniversary of the formation of the Indian Republic, and
serves to showcase the country's military might. Marching columns
represent the armed forces, accompanied by armoured vehicles,
military bands, decorated floats and folk dancers. Although it is
primarily a military parade, the many floats showcase different
cultures and territories within the hugely culturally diverse
country. Highlights include a display presented by the Indian Air
Force and the procession of the camel mounted Border Security Force
contingent, which is the only camel mounted military force in the
world. Before the parade the prime minister lays a floral wreath at
the Amar Jawan Jyoti, a memorial to unknown soldiers at the India
Gate, which is followed by two minutes of silence in tribute to the
many who died and suffered to win India's independence. Medals and
special awards are given out by the president on this day as well.
The parade is the main event but the celebrations are actually
marked over multiple days, beginning with the impressive pomp and
ceremony of the military parade and ending on the evening of the
29th January with the Beating Retreat Ceremony that takes place in
Raisina Hills and an adjacent square, Vijay Chowk, next to the
President's Palace.

Festival of Holi

Delhi puts on a colourful face in March for the light-hearted
Festival of Holi, celebrating the triumph of good over evil. Holi
is the first major Hindu festival of the year and is celebrated
joyously. The exuberant spring festival starts on the night of full
moon, when bonfires are lit on street corners to clear the air of
evil spirits. The next morning sees the streets full of people of
all ages chasing each other and throwing pots of brightly-coloured
powder pigment over each other in uninhibited mischief. The fun
ends at noon, when everyone retires to wash off the paint and
finish the day relaxing. Although the powder play is visually
stunning and lots of fun, it can be a challenge to get all the
pigment off your skin, hair and clothes afterwards - people are
encouraged to use the traditional natural pigments that are better
for the environment and the body, and these do come off far more
easily. Although Holi is celebrated all over India, it reaches a
unique fever-pitch in Delhi and travellers are strongly advised to
coincide their time in Delhi with this unforgettable spectacle.
Foreigners are enthusiastically included in the festival, which is
all about friendliness and happiness.

Diwali (Festival of Lights)

India's most popular traditional festival, with its origins
deeply rooted in Hindu mythology, turns the streets of Delhi (and
all major cities in India) into a carnival each year. And while
Diwali (the 'Festival of Lights') is extremely important for
Hindus, it is also celebrated by Jains and Sikhs, meaning that the
general air of festivity is enjoyed by everyone. Traditionally, all
houses are decorated with earthenware lamps and candles for the
occasion, and the sound of firecrackers can reach deafening
proportions - in fact, so many fireworks are usually set off during
Diwali that they have been blamed for causing a spike in air
pollution levels! Neighbourhoods generally bristle with fun rides,
food stalls and curio-sellers during the festival and there is
plenty to see and do. Keen shoppers should note that it is
customary for people to buy new clothes and household utensils, and
to exchange gifts (usually sweets or perfume) during Diwali. Diwali
is traditionally celebrated over five days, but festivities always
reach fever-pitch on a single day and usually only one day is
marked for Diwali on a calendar. Rituals and celebrations do vary
slightly from region to region in India but the festival is
celebrated all over the country.